What is the 2017-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe ABS/HECU Module Electrical Short Causing Engine Compartment Fire?

NHTSA recall 22V-056 (Hyundai recall 218) covers certain model-year 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport and Santa Fe vehicles not equipped with Smart Cruise Control. The ABS module can malfunction internally and cause an electrical short over time. Significant overcurrent can increase the r… Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Theta II GDI Connecting Rod Bearing Failure and Engine Seizure?

NHTSA recall 17V-226 (Hyundai recall 162) covers certain model-year 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter gasoline-direct-injection engines. Residual debris from factory machining can restrict oil flow to the main bearings and cause premature bear… Severity: high.

What is the 2019-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Electrical Short and Fire?

NHTSA recall 23V-181 (Hyundai recall 244) covers model-year 2019-2023 Santa Fe vehicles that may have a Hyundai accessory tow-hitch harness, including listed hybrid and plug-in-hybrid populations. The tow-hitch-harness module circuit board can be susceptible to water entering thr… Severity: high.

What is the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Theta II Engine Seizure / Recall?

NHTSA recall 20V-746 (Hyundai recall 198) covers certain model-year 2012 Santa Fe vehicles equipped with the 2.4-liter Theta II MPI engine. Conditions in the engine can cause premature connecting-rod-bearing wear. Continued operation with a worn bearing can damage the engine and… Severity: high.

What is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT) TCU Failure — Rollaway Risk and Rough Shifting?

The fifth-generation (MX5) Santa Fe's 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission has a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software logic error that can inadvertently disengage the clutches, damaging the transmission case and/or allowing the vehicle to roll away while in Park. Owners also… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2020 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T Theta II Turbocharger Oil Feed Hose Leak and Turbo Bearing Failure?

The 2.0L Theta II turbo (G4KH) in the Santa Fe Sport uses a banjo-bolted oil feed hose to the turbocharger center section. The hose assembly and its sealing washers leak, and heat-soak after shutdown cokes the oil inside the small-diameter feed line, restricting flow to the turbo… Repairs typically run $250-$2,400. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling?

On the 2.5L Smartstream GDI+MPI engine (G4KR) used in the TM Santa Fe from 2021, the internal filter/screen inside the direct injector can break apart and the injector leaks fuel into the cylinder after shutdown and at idle. Owners report a hard hot start, raw-fuel smell, rough i… Repairs typically run $600-$1,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Front Seat Belt Pretensioner Abnormal Deployment — Metal Fragment Recall (22V-816)?

Hyundai recalled certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe Hybrid (TM HEV) and 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid (TM PHEV) vehicles because the front driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioners contain pyrotechnic charges that can deploy abnormally in a crash. Instead of retracting the belt… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Rear Subframe Corrosion?

The rear subframe on second-generation Santa Fe models (especially in salt-belt states) is prone to severe corrosion that can compromise structural integrity. The steel subframe traps moisture and road salt, accelerating rust from the inside out. In extreme cases, the subframe ca… Repairs typically run $200-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Premature Alternator Failure?

Alternators in Santa Fe models fail prematurely, often between 60,000-100,000 miles. The voltage regulator or rectifier diodes fail, causing undercharging, battery drain, and eventually no-start conditions. Some owners report multiple alternator replacements within the vehicle's… Repairs typically run $300-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Transfer Case / PTU Fluid Leak and Whine?

The power transfer unit (PTU) on AWD Santa Fe models develops seal leaks, leading to fluid loss and eventual bearing damage. A whining noise from the front of the drivetrain is the first sign. If fluid runs low, the PTU gears can be damaged, requiring expensive replacement. The o… Repairs typically run $300-$2,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Excessive Oil Consumption - 2.4L GDI Engine?

Hyundai TSB 23-EM-008H provides inspection and repair guidance for vehicles with engine-oil-consumption concerns. Its parts and labor tables include model-year 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport and 2019-2020 Santa Fe vehicles with the 2.4-liter GDI engine. The bulletin notes that some oil… Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe CVVT Actuator / Oil Control Valve Failure?

The Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) actuator and its associated oil control valve (OCV) on the Santa Fe's Theta II engine can fail, causing rough idle, poor fuel economy, and check engine lights. The OCV gets clogged with sludge from extended oil change intervals, and the… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Panoramic Sunroof Drain Clog?

The panoramic sunroof drain tubes on the Santa Fe clog with leaves, pollen, and debris, causing water to overflow the sunroof tray and leak into the cabin. Water typically enters through the headliner area and drips onto the front seats or pools in the rear footwells. Extended wa… Repairs typically run $50-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering?

Santa Fe (and Santa Fe Sport) panoramic sunroofs have repeatedly shattered spontaneously, with no impact, often described by owners as sounding like a gunshot. Tempered glass tensioned over the large panoramic opening, combined with edge stress and ceramic-frit weakening, fails s… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2019-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Clunk?

The intermediate steering shaft on 4th-gen Santa Fe models develops a clunking or popping noise when turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or when going over bumps while turning. The universal joint in the shaft dries out and develops play. Hyundai issued TSB 19-ST… Repairs typically run $100-$600. Severity: low.

What is the 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Clear Coat / White Paint Delamination and Peeling?

Santa Fe paint, especially white/pearl-white and Hyundai's 'Scratch Recovery' self-healing clear coat, is prone to delamination — the clear coat and color coat lose adhesion to the layer beneath and begin peeling, flaking, or bubbling off in sheets, accelerated by UV exposure. It… Repairs typically run $0-$2,000. Severity: low.

Hyundai · Known Issues

2007-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems: 17 Known Issues

2007-2025 model years · 1,610+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 1,610+ owner reports, the 2007-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has 17 documented known issues, with 9 rated critical. The most serious are ABS/HECU Module Electrical Short Causing Engine Compartment Fire, Theta II GDI Connecting Rod Bearing Failure and Engine Seizure, Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Electrical Short and Fire, Theta II Engine Seizure / Recall, 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT) TCU Failure — Rollaway Risk and Rough Shifting ($0-$4,500 repair), 2.0T Theta II Turbocharger Oil Feed Hose Leak and Turbo Bearing Failure ($250-$2,400 repair), 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling ($600-$1,800 repair), Front Seat Belt Pretensioner Abnormal Deployment — Metal Fragment Recall (22V-816). at .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,610+ owner reports, the 2007-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has 17 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: ABS/HECU Module Electrical Short Causing Engine Compartment Fire, Theta II GDI Connecting Rod Bearing Failure and Engine Seizure, Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Electrical Short and Fire. Of these, 9 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

The 2007-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe has 17 known issues documented across 1,610+ owner reports. 9 issues are rated critical: ABS/HECU Module Electrical Short Causing Engine Compartment Fire and Theta II GDI Connecting Rod Bearing Failure and Engine Seizure and Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Electrical Short and Fire and Theta II Engine Seizure / Recall and 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT) TCU Failure — Rollaway Risk and Rough Shifting and 2.0T Theta II Turbocharger Oil Feed Hose Leak and Turbo Bearing Failure and 2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling and Front Seat Belt Pretensioner Abnormal Deployment — Metal Fragment Recall (22V-816) and Rear Subframe Corrosion. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

Repair costs for known Hyundai Santa Fe issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Hyundai Santa Fe is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Hyundai Santa Fe. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2007-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe with 17 documented issues documented across 1,610+ owner reports.

All 17 Known Issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Santa Fe problems?

What year Hyundai Santa Fe is the most reliable?

Theta II GDI Connecting Rod Bearing Failure and Engine Seizure#

Theta II Engine Seizure / Recall#

2.0T Theta II Turbocharger Oil Feed Hose Leak and Turbo Bearing Failure#

Excessive Oil Consumption - 2.4L GDI Engine#

CVVT Actuator / Oil Control Valve Failure#

Tow Hitch Harness Water Intrusion Causing Electrical Short and Fire#

Premature Alternator Failure#

Rear Subframe Corrosion#

Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Clunk#

ABS/HECU Module Electrical Short Causing Engine Compartment Fire#

8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch (DCT) TCU Failure — Rollaway Risk and Rough Shifting#

2.5L Smartstream GDI Fuel Injector Internal Leak Causing Misfire and Stalling#

Front Seat Belt Pretensioner Abnormal Deployment — Metal Fragment Recall (22V-816)#

Panoramic Sunroof Drain Clog#

Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering#

Transfer Case / PTU Fluid Leak and Whine#

Clear Coat / White Paint Delamination and Peeling#